Community Update

To have your event included on Community Update, please send all relevant information to:
Sue Wagner
Community Update
P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611-8405
The e-mail address is swagner@wuft.org, with the words
“Community Update” in the subject line.

Community Update and Public Service Announcements are
available to non-profit organizations only.

All submissions must be received TWO weeks prior to the event.

Please include only the basic facts:
who, what, where, when and why and a phone number or website address for more information.

Events will be included in this online listing and if time permits they will be featured in on-air public service announcements.

The Florida Museum will host “Prehistoric Hunting Technology.” Guests will have the chance to learn about how artifacts and hunting technology change over time. Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to throw darts with an atlatl and make their own to take home in this free workshop led by the Florida Public Archaeology Network. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/workshop or call 352-846-2000.

The event is a awareness-raiser and fundraiser with the Addario Lung Cancer Foundation. It will be on the grounds of the hospital and adjacent neighborhoods. More information is available at 352-256-6263.</p?

See how fields were plowed for the spring plantings. See different types of field plows and antique tractors. These antique tractors are a display of farming equipment and a way of life circa 1930’s and 1940’s, a reflection of rural American history. Observe, as the participants work the land plowing and disking. Volunteers in period clothing will be at the farmstead demonstrating period crafts and interpreting the farms history and the Southern Syrupmakers Association will host a syrup tasting contest. More information available at 352-472-1142 or www.friendsofdudleyfarm.org.

Alachua County Youth Fair and Livestock Show
March 8-12
Alachua County Fairgrounds
Gainesville

The youth fair provide an educational opportunity for youth to learn about production agriculture. The fair will include exhibits of both livestock and non-livestock 4-H and FFA projects. More information available at 352-955-2402.

“Polynesian Pradise” is the theme of the annual Catholic Charities fundraising event. More information available from Laurie Porter at l.portr@ccgnv.org.

The American Black Experience: Then & Now
March 10, 3 p.m.
A. Quinn Jones Center
Gainesville

This community engagement session will focus around the “Pipeline” featured on PBS’s Great Performances. The sessions encourage participants to reflect on personal biases and privilege and to explore systemic racism in the U.S. More information available at 352-376-8561.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby representatives will speak on the movement to halt and reverse climate change at Indivisible Common Cents Ocala’s meeting.The grassroots organization lobbies to pass the “Carbon Fee and Dividend” legislation and works closely with the House Climate Solutions Caucus, a bipartisan group in the U.S. House of Representatives, founded in 2016 by Florida representatives Ted Deutch (D) and Carlos Curbelo (R). The event is free of charge. The library has free parking and is wheelchair accessible. For more information, email IndivisibleCommonCents@gmail.com or phone 352-620-4764.

Tour the nursery and gardens to see what hard working people adults with different abilities can do. Meet some of the crew. Enjoy live music and food and view plants and merchandise. More information available at 352-260-4458.

This national tour is hosted by the Uhuru Solidarity Movement. Akilie Anai and Jesse Nevel will speak debunk the “Certified Diamonds” scheme and expose the violent history of the diamond trade in the broader contest of the theft of all of Africa’s resources through colonial occupation by Europe. More information available at 727-888-3797.

Pulitzer Prize winning author Jesse Eisinger, Senior Reporter and Editor at ProPublica, will examine why corporate executives seem to commit wrongdoing with impunity and the government’s “inability” to prosecute top executives for corporate crime. His book The Chickenshit Club: Why the Justice Department Fails to Prosecute Executives, looks closely at the deterioration of the Justice Department and how it has come to avoid and mismanage the prosecution of white collar criminals, with a book sale following the public talk. More information available at www.bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu.

Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day
March 23, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
University Air Center at the Gainesville Regional Airport
Gainesville

The event features speakers, aircraft displays, classic cars, food, music and airplane and helicopter rides over The Swamp.More information available at 352-416-0787.

From Segregation to Black Lives Matter:
A Symposium and Celebration of the Opening of the Joel Buchanan Archive of African American Oral History at UF
March 21-23
Smathers Libraries, The Harn Museum of Art, A. Quinn Jones Center
Gainesville

The symposium will feature panels, films, exhibits, performances and lectures on many different facets of Black History. The event will unite scholars, educators and community organizers to discuss how to infuse African American history in K-12, higher education and social justice organizing on a national level. More information available at 352-392-7168 or www.oral.history.ufl.edu.

Brave Harvest Eat Your Plants Spring Break Camp
April 1-5
Gainesville

This is a cooking and gardening camp for children ages 6-11 during Alachua County Public School Spring Break. Children will learn basic gardening, be encouraged to be brave and taste new food, all while making new friends and having fun outside. More information available at www.braveharvest.org.

The 5K Walk/Run and 10K Run will generate awareness and raise funds for relief of human trafficking. More information available at www.rungoodrace.com or 352-335-8888.

WhyHunger Hotline
Ongoing

Need help finding healthy, free food in your community? Call the WhyHunger Hotline at 1-800-5-HUNGRY to be connected to food assistance in your neighborhood. You can also text your zip code to 1-800-548-6479 to get a list to your phone and search online at whyhunger.org/findfood.

Enjoy and adult coloring group in the Interlachen Public Library at 133 N CR 315. More information available at 386-684-1600.

Brain and Spinal Tumor Support Group
3rd Wednesday of each month
Health Street
Gainesville

The UF Health Neuro-Oncology Division of Neurosurgery has started a support group for brain and spinal tumors. More information available from Sarah Andrews at braintumorsupport@neurosurgery.ufl.edu or at 352-27-7981.

Old Computers Needed
Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines
Weeki Wachee
Ongoing

The church is collecting computers for the homeless. Any make or mode with a windows platform is welcome. More information available at 352-600-9555.

This study will examine how mood impacts brain functioning during a decision-making task. People ages 60 to 80 may be eligible to participate. More information at 352-294-9765.

Be the Hope A Child Needs, Become a Foster Parent
Partnership for Strong Families
North Central Florida
Ongoing

North Central Florida has an urgent need for foster care parents. If you would like to become a partner family to help a child or teenager call 352-244-1684 or find details online at www.PartnerFamily.org,

Books & Toiletries Needed for Homeless People
Unitarian Universalist Church in the Pines
Weeki Wachee
Ongoing

Gainesville Peer Respite is launching “Warmline” for peers in need of emotional support. The phone line will be open Wednesday night through Monday mornings from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The number is 352-559-4559. The phone line is staffed by those who have had their own experiences of trauma and mental illness.

Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence
Ongoing

The Uf Center studies pain and aging, chronic pain risk factors, pain and the brain, musculoskeletal pain, pain and exercise and non-medical treatment of pain. More information available at 352-273-5967 or PRICE-CTSI@ufl.edu.

Borgen Project Volunteer and Internship Opportunities
Ongoing

Over the past 20-years, the number of people who are malnourished has been reduced by 50 percent… And more children are in school today than at any time period in history. Global poverty can seem daunting, but success in alleviating suffering is occurring across the globe. To learn how you can volunteer at The Borgen Project and take action locally to help our global community, visit borgenproject.org.

Free stress relieving classes will be taught by Janke. More information available on this and other programs at 352-294-4880.

Cowling on Cancer:
Patients and Families share their stories
Ongoing

On his blog Here’s a Story Just for You at www.jerrycowling.com, Florida author and actor Jerry Cowling has posted his experiences and feelings during his late wife Janet’s battle against breast cancer. He also tells of his journey through his grief process after her death. Now Cowling has opened his Cancer Chronicles to contributions from cancer patients and family members to share their own stories. Each contribution should be no more than three or four paragraphs. He encourages multiple submissions on the various aspects of the cancer experience. Send submissions to jdcowling@tampabay.rr.com. Cancer Chronicles posts are made on Wednesdays.

Chronic Pain Association
Ongoing

Chronic pain is a pain that never goes away. If you have it, you know that often doctors and medicine can’t full help. The American Chronic Pain Association can teach you how through small group meetings. Learn to deal with your pain in a positive way. Call the Alachua County Chapter of the American Chronic Pain Association at 352/213-1600.

The Integrative Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory at UF is conducting a research study on blood vessel health in individuals with type 2 diabetes and the effects of supervised exercise training. It is currently seeking study participants ages 30 to 79 with type 2 diabetes as well as healthy participants who do not exercise regularly.

Many adults struggle with reading. These individuals have keen compensation strategies, amazing memory skills and are highly intelligent. The program is seeking volunteers to work with these adults. There are various levels of time and service commitments. For more information, visit aclib.us/literacy.

Tourism Institute Study Needs Participants
Ongoing

The UF Eric Friedhelm Tourism Institute is looking for volunteers for a study measuring the impacts of online advertising on viewer’s attention, emotion, and memory using a mobile eye-tracker and an arousal sensor. To qualify you mus be between the ages of 18-60 years old and have normal vision or be able to wear contact lenses (no glasses). Participant will receive an Amazon gift card after completing the test. For more information contact Lauren at nitecuf@gmail.com.

Ronald McDonald House Needs Volunteers
Ongoing

The Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville serves 31 families, keeping them close to their sick children receiving critical medical care. The House is always full, and it’s single maintenance manager could use a little help. If you are handy and can spare two hours each week to help with routine maintenance tasks please contact Dorie Faulkner at 352-374-4404, extension 224.

Mentors needed for Take Stock in Children Program
The Education Foundation of Alachua County
Gainesville
Ongoing

Take Stock in Children pairs good students who have the odds stacked against them with mentors who provide support, encouragement, and the guidance they need to succeed in school. Mentors will meet with their student once a week at a convenient time such as their lunch hour. More information available at http://edfoundaitonac.org/take-stock-in-children or call 352-955-7242.

The Gainesville Chapter of the Climb for Cancer Foundation is sponsoring weekly indoor gardening sessions for community members who have been or are being treated for any form of cancer. Free parking is available and individuals are welcome to bring a friend or caregiver. More information is available from Deborah at 352-294-5992.

Children ages 5 to 21 can learn to play an instrument, and learn music theory and site reading. Sessions will be held at The Heather Community Center, 9100 Nakoma Way in Weeki Wachee. The event is free and open to the public. More information available at hernandoyouthorchestra.org

Citizens for an Engaged Electorate Meetings
First Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Williston
Ongong

Citizens for an Engaged Electorate is a group of progressive individuals dedicated to building a functioning democratic republic. The meetings are open to the public and are held at Melanie’s Restaurant, 124 E. Noble Street in Williston. More information is available from Barbara Byran at 352-465-8461.

The Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Program will recycle used peanut, corn, canola or olive oil into biodiesel fuel. The biodiesel is combined with standard diesel and used to power County fleet vehicles and a biofuel electrical generator. Oil should be cool, and placed in a metal or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. The oil cannot mix will other fluids such as water, petroleum products or soaps. The collection center is located at 5125 NE 63rd Ave. in Gainesville. More information on hours or operation and other rural collection centers at 352-334-0440.

Free English Classes
Millhopper Branch Library
Gainesville

Free adult English classes are available to newcomers to Alachua County. More information available at www.latinawomensleague.org

The Aphasia and Bilingualism lab is currently recruiting healthy adults age 50 to 80 for a study on written and spoken language. Participants should have English as a primary language and have normal or corrected vision and/or hearing. More information available at ufaphasialab@gmail.com or 352-273-3715.

UF Environmental Horticulture Gardening Study
Ongoing

The University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Department is seeking healthy women between the ages of 30-45 without gardening experience. Volunteers will undergo an MRI and participate in gardening session over an eight week period. For more information contact Christy at 352-273-4576.

AYA Needs Host Families for Students
Ongoing

The Academic Year in America program matches students from more than 40 countries with an American host family for a semester or academic year. Families can choose their student and must provide room and board. More information available at academicyear.org or 352-237-3966.

Alachua County Wage Recovery Ordinance
Ongoing

The Alachua County Wage Recovery Ordinance began on January 1, 2014. The ordinance provides Alachua County employees a method for collecting unpaid or underpaid wages. For details on the ordinance or how to file a wage theft complaint call the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275.

Institute for Workforce Innovation
Ongoing

The Institute for Workforce Innovation (IWI) is dedicated to improving the communities’ quality of life through education, employment and advocacy. For more information or to volunteer call 352-225-3307 or online at www.iwionline.org

Ongoing
Elder Options in conjunction with the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs offers free six week training programs designed for family caregivers who assist persons with Alzheimer’s and or dementia. More information available at 352-378-6649.

Operation PetSnip
Ongoing

Spay and neuter pet services available for qualifying low-income Alachua County and surrounding rural county residents. The cost of surgery, pain medication and anesthesia for pets spayed or neutered is covered. More information available from No More Homeless Pets’ Operation Petsnip at http://www.nmhp.net

The Salvation Army Thrift Store
Ongoing
Gainesville

The Salvation Army thrift stores are funded by generous donations of material goods. The stores accept gently used merchandise to be refurbished and resold. The Gainesville store is located at 55 NW 23rd Ave. More information on hours of operation available at 352-373-7597 or https://www.facebook.com/SalArmyGville

Gone 4 Ever Shredding
OngoingThe Arc of Alachua County is a local not for profit that provides employment services to adults with developmental disabilities through several small business it has created. One of its businesses, Gone 4 Ever shredding, offers a free paper shredding service to all residents of Alachua County every Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at its main location at 3303 NW 83rd Street. Gone 4 Ever shredding hold a AAA certification in document destruction so all paper is safely and securely destroyed. For more information please call 352-334-4060 ext. 132 or visit www.gone4evershredding.com

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve- Supporting our Nation’s Service Members
Ongoing

Today, nearly half our nation’s fighting forces are members of the Guard and Reserve. When they are called is called to active duty, they leave behind a family, a community, and a job. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, honors and products the bond between service members and their civilian employers. Whether serving our country or supporting those who do, we all serve. To learning more about ESGR, call 1-800-336-4590, or www.esgr.mil.

The Family Mealtime Project
Ongoing

This spring research at the University of Florida will conduct a research study to learn about families and their interactions during mealtimes. The Family Mealtime Project is available to two-parent families who live within 20 miles of Gainesville and have a child between the ages of 2 and 6. The study consists of three, 45 minute sessions in families’ home in which families will complete questionnaires and two video recordings of their mealtimes. Families will be compensated at the completion of the study. Families interested in participating or who have questions should call the Family Mealtime Project office toll free at 1-866-673-9623.

“Kidney Smart” Education Program
Ongoing

The “Kidney Smart” program educates and partners with people to take control of their health and helps them develop a plan to live a healthy life. The program features medication, diet and nutrition information, stresses the importance of choosing a heath care team, provides continuing education and treatment options. More information available at www.kidneysmart.org

The Suwannee River Economic Council, Inc. hosts a meal site at the Bronson Community Church located on Hathaway Ave. in Bronson, FL. The meal site serves seniors age 60 or older. Meals are served at noon. There is no cost, but donations are welcomed. For more information, call 352-490-7055 x1.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, is looking for long-term volunteers to serve as hosts for its two core programs: Ronald McDonald House and Ronald McDonald Family Room at Shands Hospital for Children. For more information, visit www.rmhcncf.org or call Dorie Faulkner, Volunteer Coordinator at 352-374-4404 ext. 224.

Visiting Chef Program, Ronald McDonald House
Ongoing

Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, a non-profit organization in Gainesville that assists families with children being treated at local medical facilities, seeks volunteer groups or families to provide a full-course dinner or weekend-breakfast for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville. Chefs may come equipped with ingredients to serve approximately 50 people and cook in a spacious, well-stocked kitchen or they may cater a meal from a local restaurant. Meals are served 7 days a week, including holidays. For more information, contact Judy Bates at bates@rmhcncf.org or call 352-374-4404 ext. 299.

The Kindness Cookie Company
Ongoing

In partnership with The Arc of Alachua County, the Kindness Cookie Company bakes homemade cookies with our messages of kindness, gratitude and inspiration inside. In the spirit of these messages, Kindness for Cookies also seeks to raise awareness of the unique gifts of individuals with developmental disabilities and how they can teach us to live with greater compassion, acceptance and presence. The Kindness Cookie Company can bake for any event, or custom orders and gifts. For more information, contact Susan Thiele, founder, at 352-256-8084 or email at Yummy@TheKindnessCookieCompany.com, you can also visit the website at www.TheKindnessCookieCompany.com.

MatchingDonors.com
Ongoing

In the U.S., 19 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant—most of them for kidneys. MatchingDonors.com has become the most successful nonprofit organization improving those odds by finding living altruistic donors for patients who desperately need transplants. Visit www.matchingdonors.com and meet some extraordinary people.

Help a Kid Start a Lemonade Stand
Ongoing

The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation, based in Washington, D.C., is urging parents to teach their children lessons about entrepreneurship and responsibility by helping them start a lemonade stand. They provide free classroom curriculum and other resources to enable students to learn first-hand about the risks and rewards of operating a small business. This curriculum can be found at http://eitccurriculum.com/. To learn more about the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation, visit www.NFIB.com/YEF.

Red Carpet Customer Service Training Program
Ongoing

This program, launched by FloridaWorks in partnership with Santa Fe College, Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and Innovation Gainesville, has a goal of training 3,000 people in customer service. Each participant earns a certificate from Santa Fe College after completing the 3-hour course. To register, contact Santa Fe CIED at 352-395-5053. To become a community sponsor, contact the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce at 352-334-7100.

Adoption from Foster Care
Ongoing

There are currently more than 107,000 children available for adoption in the U.S. Foster Care System. The Adoption from Foster Care campaign encourages potential parents to adopt and aims to increase the number of potential families inquiring about adoption. You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.

Veterans Outreach Program, Epilepsy Foundation
Ongoing

The Epilepsy Foundation wants to help men and women who’ve suffered traumatic brain injuries or TBIs, which are a common form of injury that can lead to seizures and epilepsy in some cases. Symptoms can include confusion, momentary black-outs and uncontrollable shaking or twitching. For more information about the foundation’s Veterans Outreach Program and other services, visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org or call 1-800-332-1000.

Three Rivers Legal Services
Ongoing

Three Rivers Legal Services, Inc. is a local, non-profit corporation that provides free, quality civil legal services to low-income, eligible clients in seventeen counties throughout North Florida. Three Rivers is now providing representation to eligible clients who live in Alachua, Levy, Gilchrist, Bradford or Union County for family law cases, regardless of domestic violence. For more information, call the Legal Helpline at 866-256-8091.